6 Secrets to Unlocking a Successful Renovation

Here are six things to unlock a successful renovation.

Renovating your house is an adventure — one that can easily go off the rails. There are a mind-boggling number of wrong turns homeowners take. Some go over budget, some didn’t meet their construction schedule, while others didn’t achieve the desired outcome.

If you want your renovation to run like a dream, it’s imperative that you be prepared.

So, if you’re ready to renovate, here are six things you should know before embarking on any major home improvement project.

Knowing these will help you avoid a bunch of problems and regrets.

Start Your Renovation Project Right

1. Plan your project with a qualified remodelling expert.

It is the part that most renovators forget. It’s ironic because it is the greatest secret to the success of your renovation project.

When you’re considering a major remodel soon, call and reach out to the professionals. Sit down and talk to an architect or designer who can answer all your questions and give you sound advice. Work with somebody who listens to your every concern, and can help you through the maze of planning.

Avoid Common Misconceptions

2. Understand that there are projects for weekend warriors. At the same time, there are projects best left to professionals.

Lots of online content tells you that doing a renovation all by yourself will save you tons of cash. No, this isn’t always true.

The ‘weekend warrior’ in you can undertake painting, applying wallpaper, cleaning, and repairing. But, renovations are more complicated than that. The nightmare comes when you have to supervise the project, schedule construction, order building materials, coordinating with the builders etc.

What’s worse is that some people took a break from their jobs to oversee their project. Some people go over their budget. Their attempt to save money turned into a costly folly.

When planning a project, be realistic about what you can and can’t do yourself. DIY renovations won’t work when you lack experience. If you want to be assured your project will turn out the way you want it, call a qualified and licensed professional.

Communicate Your Requirements

3. Details Matter

A detailed vision is the foundation of your renovation project. Yes, details matter that much during the planning stage.

First, determine the size of the house or space that you want. Tell how spacious a room should be. Rightsizing ensures that you and your needs exactly fit in your place.

After that, it’s time to explore the details. It’s the details that will bring delight to you every day in your new home. Prepare a well-thought-out brief which outlines all the spatial requirements you have for your project. This project brief contains everything you want to see and incorporate into your place. Don’t forget to include your budget as well.

Avoid saying: “While we’re at it, let’s fix this as well…”

4. Instead, limit yourself to one project at a time.

The trick to having a smooth renovation project is to know the scope of works and to stick with it.

Before this, we encouraged you to write a brief of your vision with your budget. This project brief ensures everyone, including you, on the same page. It reminds you of your priorities, so you don’t compromise the plan, schedule, and budget. Your renovation run right when you don’t change things in the midst of construction.

What To Do When Construction Problems Become Unavoidable

5. Have a game plan

There are times when you need to tackle the area connected to the part that you will renovate. It always happens, especially when remodelling older homes. In some cases, the homeowner needs to address the whole house. They must upgrade the heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and structural systems.

In case this happens to you, create a game plan. When you do, you know what the results will be.

First, assess whether you have the funds and desire to renovate most of the house at once. When you don’t, consider staging the construction.

Know Who To Trust

6. Don’t take advice from unqualified design professionals

When faced with a problem, first-time renovators usually search for answers online or ask the people they know.

They don’t know that this a mistake that they should avoid.

Renovations are critical projects, and every project is different. Other people may give you sound advice, but their opinions may not be the exact solution to your problem.

When you have a home improvement idea, ask a design professional. They can give you proper guidance and help you plan a smarter renovation